Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Cut Flower Arrangement
Posted on: 16 April 2018
If one of your friends or relatives decided to surprise you with a floral delivery for your birthday, then there are many things you can do to extend the life of its cut flowers, including each of these tips:
Tip: Always Trim Cut Flower Stems Underwater
When your cut flower arrangement arrives, it may come in a box and you may need to trim your flowers before putting them in a vase of water. To trim your flowers like a pro, place their stems under lukewarm running water and cut them with very sharp scissors. Cut each stem on a slant to avoid them from creating a suction on the bottom of the vase and not being able to properly absorb water.
Tip: Consider Using Bottled Water if You Have Well Water
If your home has well water or your public water utility puts a lot of chlorine or fluoride into the water, you should consider using bottled water for your flowers. Things such as minerals in hard water and sodium or potassium put in your household water by your water softener can greatly decrease the usable life of your cut flowers. Choose bottled water that has been distilled for the best results because it is the cleanest water you can purchase.
Tip: Warm Up the Water You Put in the Vase
While you may be tempted to place your floral arrangement in very cold water, this will actually shock the flowers and shorten their life. A better choice is to gently warm up the water and then put your flowers into it. The warmer water will absorb better into the flowers' stems and will perk them right up.
Tip: Don't Neglect Adding the Floral Food Package that Came with Your Arrangement
When your birthday flowers were delivered, there was a small package of floral food included in the box or attached to the vase. Once you have a vase full of clean warm water to place your arrangement in, then add the floral food package, stir it up with a spoon, and add your arrangement.
Tip: Add Water to the Vase and Change It Completely if it Becomes Cloudy
Finally, it is important to keep your cut flower arrangement well hydrated with clean water. You do not need to change the water unless it becomes cloudy, but you should add fresh water each day to refill the vase. Ample clean water will keep your birthday arrangement alive and fresh looking as long as possible.
Contact a service, like White House Design Studio, for more help.
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